WSP has been appointed as Technical and Architectural Adviser (TAA) to the Australian Government’s High Speed Rail Authority on its Newcastle to Sydney High Speed Rail project.
The Australian Government is planning a future High Speed Rail network to connect Brisbane, Sydney, Canberra, Melbourne and regional communities across the east coast of Australia. Newcastle will be connected to Sydney on a dedicated new railway line with new world-class trains capable of travelling up to 320km/h.
The appointment builds on WSP’s longstanding involvement in the project. Over several years, the firm’s teams have helped shape the project’s evolution from including the High Speed Rail Business Case, helping establish the technical, environmental, planning and precinct foundations needed to progress the project.
Commenting on the appointment, Sam McWilliam, Managing Director of Transport, WSP in Australia, said: "High speed rail has long been part of Australia's transport conversation, and this appointment represents an important step towards making it a reality. We're proud to continue supporting the project as it moves from planning into delivery readiness, bringing together deep corridor knowledge, global high speed rail expertise and a shared commitment to creating lasting value for communities."
The project is currently in a two-year Development Phase to get it ready for construction and an investment decision by the Australian Government.
WSP will lead the project team alongside Grimshaw and a specialist group of Australian and international partners, supporting planning approvals and associated processes, site investigations, procurement and technical assurance. The work will help establish the baseline required for future construction and delivery.
“High speed rail is one of the most significant infrastructure opportunities Australia has ever undertaken. It has the potential to reshape how people, cities and regions connect for generations to come. We are proud to be working alongside WSP and the High Speed Rail Authority, bringing our experience from major rail projects around the world to help create an enduring piece of national infrastructure that is unmistakably Australian,” said Mark Middleton, Global Managing Partner, Grimshaw.
WSP and several partners have been involved throughout previous stages of the project, bringing deep knowledge of the corridor, technical challenges and delivery requirements. This provides the High Speed Rail Authority with a team that can build on existing project understanding.
The scope of works combines local expertise with global high speed rail experience, drawing on specialists across tunnelling, geotechnical engineering, stations and precincts, systems, environment, planning, sustainability, and digital engineering.
